Presence of blue-green algae in the Thunder Bay area remains until further notice.
Last week, the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks found a BGA bloom in Trout Lake, just northwest of Thunder Bay.
Public health inspector for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Matt Bradica, says that the algae can cause many health risks.
“The main concern with blue-algae blooms is that they produce toxins that pose a potential health risk to people and animals,” said Bradica.
The risks are if it is consumed, inhaled, or comes in contact with skin.
“It can cause anything from skin irritation, such as rashes, to flu-like symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea,” said Bradica. “It can also cause chronic illness and organ damage if individuals consume high amounts.”
He adds that there have been cases where dogs have ingested BGA blooms and died.
If your skin comes in contact with a BGA bloom, wash with soap and water and rinse with clean water.
They have not concluded when the algae should dissipate, as there are many varying factors to determine this.
“It depends on environmental factors,” said Bradica. “Blooms can easily be dispersed if there’s lots of wind on the lake, so there’s no way to know when it will be cleared.”
It can also increase in warm, shallow water that gets a lot of sun.
The community will be notified when the BGA has dissipated and is asked to stay clear of the lake in the meantime.
